When did the GOP become the higher-turnout party?

[darklordoftech]

I've often heard that the GOP is the party of high voter turnout and the Democratic Party is the party of low voter turnout. When did this tendency begin?

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

When their base age group aged into peak voting years.


Their base age group was born between 1940 and 1964 and includes most of the boomers and the later silents.

In 1994 this group ranged from ages 30 to 54. I would say about 2000.

[Lechasseur]

When their base age group aged into peak voting years.


Their base age group was born between 1940 and 1964 and includes most of the boomers and the later silents.

In 1994 this group ranged from ages 30 to 54. I would say about 2000.

Agreed, 2000 sounds right

[dw93]

When their base age group aged into peak voting years.


Their base age group was born between 1940 and 1964 and includes most of the boomers and the later silents.

In 1994 this group ranged from ages 30 to 54. I would say about 2000.

I'd add the first half of Generation X (those born from 1965-1972 or 73ish) to their base age group as well so I'd say anywhere from 2002- now is where it began.

[Izzyeviel]

Older voters are more likely to vote then younger ones. Older people are more likely to vote Conservatives.

 And people who feel outraged and or want to protest are more likely to vote.

For the latter, think of the Tea Party during the Obama era, and more recently, Democrats in special elections all over the country.

[RINO Tom]

I'd be interested in seeing some actual statistics, but keep in mind that the GOP has always won higher income voters (even with Trump), and those voters vote more often.  That doesn't answer your question, but it wouldn't surprise me if during, say, the 1940s, Republicans were turning out at a higher rate than Democrats but there were just fewer of them.

[Lechasseur]

I'd be interested in seeing some actual statistics, but keep in mind that the GOP has always won higher income voters (even with Trump), and those voters vote more often.  That doesn't answer your question, but it wouldn't surprise me if during, say, the 1940s, Republicans were turning out at a higher rate than Democrats but there were just fewer of them.

You're probably right, actually

[All Along The Watchtower]

When organized labor was decimated and when overall quality of life really declined for working class voters (of all races).

[Mr.Phips]

1994.

[支持核绿派 (Greens4Nuclear)]

I'd be interested in seeing some actual statistics, but keep in mind that the GOP has always won higher income voters (even with Trump), and those voters vote more often.  That doesn't answer your question, but it wouldn't surprise me if during, say, the 1940s, Republicans were turning out at a higher rate than Democrats but there were just fewer of them.